NEEDLES>>Two tractor-trailers that were burning on Interstate 40 at the agricultural inspection center south of Needles prompted the closure of the roadway and the need for a hazmat team, fire officials say.

The fire started shortly after 1:15 p.m. Saturday and more than two hours later firefighters were still in a “defensive attack mode”, meaning they were fighting the fire – and its dark, toxic smoke – from a distance, said county Fire Capt. Steve Tracy.

It was out about 5:30 p.m. and eastbound lanes opened shortly after that.

One of the large truck trailers was carrying tire shavings, Tracy said.

Poor visibility from the burning tire pieces prompted the California Highway Patrol to close lanes of the vital I-40, Tracy said.

The burning tire shreds were also the reason fire officials called in a hazmat team that would assess and mitigate the polluted runoff water, Tracy said.

Fire from the tire shreds is burning at an “extremely hot” temperature, Tracy said, and one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion at the scene and taken to an area hospital, Tracy said.

The high temperature today in Needles was predicted to be 109 degrees.

The second tractor-trailer was hauling clothing, Tracy said.

More to come

Needles:#SBCoFD(update) I40 AT THE NEEDLES AG STATION NOW CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS DUE TO A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WITH FIRE.

Alex Groves writes about casinos for the entertainment team at Southern California News Group. He started his first full-time gig as a breaking news reporter for The Press-Enterprise in 2015 but has also written stories on arts programs at local high schools, dining and events. In his free time, Alex enjoys hiking and traveling. A craft beer enthusiast, Alex likes to bring back an IPA as a souvenir from every new place he travels.